Kobayashi surprised by retirement

Sauber's Kamui Kobayashi said he was surprised with the engine failure that ended his Malaysian Grand Prix.

Kobayashi started from an encouraging ninth on the grid but was left cursing his luck as he was forced to retire on lap nine after dropping two places at the start.

"The retirement came as a total surprise to me," said Kobayashi. "After turn one I suddenly had no more power. This is really bad luck. Today I was in a good position to fight for points, although I lost two positions at the start when Rubens Barrichello didn't move in front of me when the starting lights went out. It is a real shame I retired from today's race, but now we have to concentrate on the next one in China and do better."

Team-mate Pedro de la Rosa's luck was even worse as the Spaniard was forced to retire on his way to the grid, yet again as the result of an engine failure.

"Of course it is very disappointing not having competed in this race," said De la Rosa. "This Grand Prix is one you prepare for all year because of the physical demands and you really want it to be driving in it. The failure was unusual, unexpected and unlucky."

The International Rugby Board (IRB) have stripped Australia of the right to host a round of the World Sevens Series, scheduled for Brisbane on 16-17 February, after the Australian government's refusal to provide visas for the squad from Fiji